Mechanical Properties

Question 1

What is Strength?

Answer 1

• Can be described as the ability of a material to withstand a constant force without breaking
• Is usually associated with one of five forces that can act upon a material these include: bending, compression, tension, sheer

Question 2

What is hardness?

Answer 2

Is the ability of a material to withstand scratching, cutting and abrasion

Question 3

Example of a material with good hardness

Answer 3

Melamine Formaldehyde is regularly used for kitchen work surfaces as it maintains is smooth polished finish due to its hardness

Question 4

What is density?

Answer 4

A materials mass per unit volume

Question 5

Why is expanded Polystyrene used in packaging for protecting expensive or fragile products?

Answer 5

Due to its low density

Question 6

What is toughness?

Answer 6

A materials ability to withstand impact from a dynamic force

Question 7

What is ductility?

Answer 7

A materials ability to be drawn or pulled in to a length or wire without braking

Question 8

What is malleability?

Answer 8

A materials ability to be permanently deformed or shaped by: impact, rolling or pressing without breaking e.g low carbon steel is used to produce car body panels as it is malleability allow it to be pressed into shape

Question 9

What is elasticity?

Answer 9

Is a measurement of a materials ability to stretch under force and return to its original shape without deformation when the force is removed